[IT]

Information Technology

Prepared by Marjan Naeemi

Instructor : Noor Hussain Noori
Kardan ins9tute
English department , fourth semester , DEL
Date : / /2023
Preface

The term «Information Technology» is «any activity that involves

information processing and integrated communication through electronic
equipment.»
This term is more comprehensive and refers to all types of technology
that operate with information, whether in an information system, in the
automation of an industrial process, in the communication between
computers of two organizations, or even in the personal use of
computational resources.
Information Technology «refers largely to the resources applied by a
firm in the processing and management of its data. These resources
include hardware, software, communications (voice, data, and video)
and associated personnel.»
Information Technology is the capabilities offered by computers,
applications - software - and telecommunications.
Table of contents
WHAT IS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY? [IT]
What does information technology encompass?
Why is information technology important?

Examples of information technology

Careers in information technology
Importance of Information Technology

Hardware technology
What are internal computer hardware components ?
What are external hardware components?
What is software engineering?

Types of software engineering

What is an information system?

How does an information system work?

Office automation

Types of Office Automation Systems

Computer engineering
Industrial automation
WHAT IS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY? [IT]

IT is a term used to describe several things, the task of gathering data

and processing it into information, the ability to disseminate information
using technology, the technology itself that permits these tasks, and the
collection of people who are in charge of maintaining the IT infrastructure
(the computers, the networks, the operating system). Generically, we will
consider IT to be the technology used in creating, maintaining, and
making information accessible. In other words, IT combines people with
computing resources, software, data, and computer networks.

In 1995, information technology was defined as computer software and

hardware solutions that provide support of management, operations, and
strategists in organizations.
Thong and Yap (1995) state that the goal of having information
technology (with all computer applications like MRP/EDI, CAM/CAD) is
increasing productively of a cooperation.
Two years later, Boar (1997) defines information technology as “those
technologies engaged in the operation, collection, transport, retrieving,
storage, access presentation, and transformation of information in all its
forms.

Also information technology could be regard as technological aspect of

systems of information as it is reported by Hollander et al (1999),
information technology is aimed for creation of computer-based systems
of information by using computer system in an organization . Moreover,
with looking to the term of business relationships, in 2002, Carr &
Smeltzer (2002) explained information technology as the use of
automated purchasing systems, supplier links through electronic data
interchange, computer-to-computer links with key suppliers and finally
systems of information.

One year later, in a study by Sarosa & Zowghi (2003) on information

technology in Indonesia, information technology was explained as “all
the technology that is used by an organization to collect, process, and
disseminate information in all its form. Therefore, the component of
information technology will include hardware (scanner, printer, computer,
etc), software (operating systems, application development language,
office application, etc.)
 According to another scholar (Attaran 2003) ,“Information technology is
defined as capabilities offered to organizations by computers, software
applications, and telecommunications to deliver data, information, and
knowledge to individuals and processes”. Besides that, information
technology can be defined as recently it is stated by Tan et al. (2009) as
application of Information and Communication Technologies tools
including computer network, software and hardware required for internet
connection.

Based on this review and align with aforementioned views, term

information technology will cover wide range of information processing
and computer application in organizations. It will cover systems of
information, Internet, information and communication related
technologies, and their infrastructure including computer softwares,
networks and hardwares, which processes or transmit information to
enhance the effectiveness of individuals and organizations. However,
term information technology also includes any computer application and
required packages of hardwares, Computer Aided Manufacturing,
Computer Aided Design, Electronic Data Interchange and Enterprise
Resource planning that positively affects the productivity of cooperation

What does information technology encompass?

The IT department ensures that the organization's systems, networks,

data and applications all connect and function properly. The IT team
handles three major area :
1. deploys and maintains business applications, services and
infrastructure (servers, networks, storage
2. monitors, optimizes and troubleshoots the performance of
applications, services and infrastructure
3. oversees the security and governance of applications, services and
infrastructure.
Most IT staff have different responsibilities within the team that break
into several key areas including:
• Administration. Administrators handle the day-to-day deployment,
operation and monitoring of an IT environment, including systems,
networks and applications. Admins often perform a range of other
duties such as software upgrades, user training, software license
management, procurement, security, data management and
observing adherence to business process and compliance
requirements.
• Support. Help desk staff specialize in answering questions, gathering
information and directing troubleshooting efforts for hardware and
software. IT support often includes IT asset and change
management, helping admins with procurement, handling backup and
recovery of data and applications, monitoring and analyzing logs and
other performance monitoring tools and following established support
workflows and processes.
• Applications. Businesses rely on software to perform work. Some
applications are procured and deployed from third parties, such as
email server applications. But many organizations retain a staff of
skilled developers that create the applications and interfaces -- such
as APIs -- needed to deliver critical business capabilities and
services. Applications might be coded in a wide array of popular
languages and integrated with other applications to create smooth
and seamless interactions between different applications. Developers
might also be tasked with creating interactive business websites and
building mobile applications. The trend toward agile or continuous
development paradigms require developers to be increasingly
involved with IT operations, such as deploying and monitoring
applications.
• Compliance. Businesses are obligated to observe varied
government- and industry-driven regulatory requirements. IT staff
play a major role in securing and monitoring access to business data
and applications to ensure that such resources are used according to
established business governance policy that meets regulatory
requirements. Such staff are deeply involved with security tasks and
routinely interact with legal and business teams to prevent, detect,
investigate and report possible breaches.
Why is information technology important?
It's been said that data is what powers industries worldwide. That may be
hyperbole, but few businesses large or small can remain competitive
without the ability to collect data and turn it into useful information. IT
provides the means to develop, process, analyze, exchange, store and secure
information.
Data processing plays a significant role in these core business prac@ces, among
others, including:
• product development and design

• marke@ng and market research

• sales and invoicing

• customer development and reten@on

• accounting and taxes

• human resources and payroll

• regulatory compliance.

Computing has penetrated practically every part of business and much of our
personal lives. The ubiquity of computing also referred to as pervasive
computing is another reason why IT is critical. Computing devices have
evolved well beyond personal computers and servers. Today, all businesses
and most individuals have and use multiple computing devices, including
phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles and even doorbells, thermostats,
vacuums and many kitchen appliances.

Virtually all these devices, many of which are part of the IoT, tap into the
internet, which interconnects billions of devices worldwide. It's a complex and,
poten@ally, perilous environment that requires IT exper@se for management,
security, maintenance and reliability.
Examples of information technology
By examples given you can realize how is IT actually involved in day-to-day
business !
1. Server upgrade. One or more data center servers near the end of their
operational and maintenance lifecycle. IT staff will select and procure
replacement servers, configure and deploy the new servers, backup
applications and data on existing servers, transfer that data and
applications to the new servers, validate that the new servers are working
properly and then repurpose or decommission and dispose of the old
servers.
2. Security monitoring. Businesses routinely employ tools to monitor and log
activity in applications, networks and system IT staff receive alerts of
potential threats or noncompliant behavior -- such as a user attempting to
access a restricted file -- check logs and other reporting tools to investigate
and determine the root cause of the alert and take prompt action to
address and remediate the threat, often driving changes and improvements
to security posture that can prevent similar events in the future.
3. New software. The business determines a need for a new mobile
application that can allow customers to log in and access account
information or conduct other transactions from smartphones and tablets.
Developers work to create and refine a suitable application according to a
planned roadmap. Operations staff posts each iteration of the new mobile
application for download and deploy the back-end components of the app
to the organization's infrastructure.
4. Business improvement. A business requires more availability from a critical
application to help with revenue or business continuance strategies. The IT
staff might be called upon to architect a high-availability cluster to provide
greater performance and resilience for the application to ensure that the
application can continue to function in the face of single outages. This can
be paired with enhancements to data storage protection and recovery
5. User support. Developers are building a major upgrade for a vital business
application. Developers and admins will collaborate to create new
documentation for the upgrade. IT staff might deploy the upgrade for
limited beta testing allowing a select group of users to try the new version
while also developing and delivering comprehensive training that prepares
all users for the new version's eventual release
Careers in information technology
A team of administrators and other technical staffers deploy and manage a
company's IT infrastructure and assets. IT teams depend on a range of
specialized information and technology skills and knowledge to support
equipment, applications and activities. Third-party contractors and IT vendor
support personnel augment the IT team.

The information technology profession is extremely diverse. IT workers can

specialize in fields such as software development; application management;
hardware components; server, storage or network administration; network
architecture; and more. Many businesses seek IT professionals with mixed or
overlapping skill sets.

There is a wide array of IT careers, each with varying technological and

managerial requisites. Among the most common IT job @tles are the following:

• Chief information officer (CIO). This person is responsible for IT and

computer systems that support the goals of the business.
• Chief technology officer (CTO). This person sets the technology goals and
policies within an organization.
• IT director. This person is responsible for the function of the business's
technology tools and processes. This role may also be called IT manager or
IT leader.
• System administrator (sys admin).This person configures, manages,
supports and troubleshoots a multiuser computing environment. Within a
business, this role can be divided up by technology, requiring an
administrator or team dedicated to server, desktop, network
administration, virtualization, or other components and technologies.
• Application manager. This person's role centers on the provisioning and
management of a high-value business application, such as Exchange.
• Developer or software engineer. This person or team writes, updates and
tests code for computer programs to meet internal or customer-facing
business objectives.
• Chief IT architect or IT architect. This person examines and changes IT
func@ons to best support the business

Importance of Information Technology

To obtain reference on the possibili@es of strategic use of IT, it is necessary to

know the set that comprises it. The following can be considered as [IT]

Categories:

• Hardware technology

• SoZware technology

• Informa@on systems

• Computer engineering and design

• Industrial automa@on

Hardware technology
Computer hardware is a collective term used to describe any of the physical
components of an analog or digital computer. The term hardware distinguishes
the tangible aspects of a computing device from software, which consists of
written, machine-readable instructions or programsthat tell physical
components what to do and when to execute the instructions.

Hardware and software are complementary. A computing device can function

efficiently and produce useful output only when both hardware and software
work together appropriately.

Computer hardware can be categorized as being either internal or external

components. Generally, internal hardware components are those necessary for
the proper functioning of the computer, while external hardware components
are attached to the computer to add or enhance functionality.

What are internal computer hardware components ?

Internal components collec@vely process or store the instruc@ons delivered by

the program or opera@ng system (OS). These include the following:
• Motherboard. This is a printed circuit board that holds the central
processing unit (CPU) and other essential internal hardware and functions
as the central hub that all other hardware components run through.
• CPU. The CPU is the brain of the computer that processes and executes
digital instruc@ons from various programs; its clock speed determines the
computer's performance and efficiency in processing data
• RAM. RAM -- or dynamic RAM -- is temporary memory storage that makes
information immediately accessible to programs; RAM is volatile memory,
so stored data is cleared when the computer powers off.
• Hard drive. Hard disk drives are physical storage devices that store both
permanent and temporary data in different formats, including programs,
OSes, device files, photos, etc
• Solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs are solid-state storage devices based on NAND
flash memory technology; SSDs are non-volatile, so they can safely store
data even when the computer is powered down.
• Optical drive. Optical drives typically reside in an on-device drive bay; they
enable the computer to read and interact with nonmagnetic external
media, such as compact disc read-only memory or digital video discs.
• Heat sink. This is a passive piece of hardware that draws heat away from
components to regulate/reduce their temperature to help ensure they
continue to function properly. Typically, a heat sink is installed directly atop
the CPU, which produces the most heat among internal components.
• Graphics processing unit. This chip-based device processes graphical data
and often functions as an extension to the main CPU.
• Network interface card (NIC). A NIC is a circuit board or chip that enables
the computer to connect to a network; also known as a network
 adapter or local area network adapter, it typically supports connection to
an Ethernet network.
• Other compu@ng components, such as USB ports, power supplies,
transistors and chips, are also types of internal hardware.

What are external hardware components?

External hardware components, also called peripheral components, are

those items that are often externally connected to the computer to
control either input or output functions. These hardware devices are
designed to either provide instructions to the software (input) or render
results from its execution (output).

Common input hardware components include the following:

• Mouse. A mouse is a hand-held pointing device that moves a cursor
around a computer screen and enables interaction with objects on the
screen. It may be wired or wireless.
• Keyboard. A keyboard is an input device featuring a
standard QWERTY keyset that enables users to input text, numbers
or special characters
• Microphone. A microphone is a device that translates sound waves
into electrical signals and supports computer-based audio
communications
• Camera. A camera captures visual images and streams them to the
computer or through a computer to a network device.
• Touchpad. A touchpad is an input device, external or built into a
laptop, used to control the pointer on a display screen. It is typically
an alternative to an external mouse.
• USB flash drive. A USB flash drive is an external, removable storage
device that uses flash memory and interfaces with a computer
through a USB port
• Memory card. A memory card is a type of portable external storage
media, such as a CompactFlash card, used to store media or data
files.
Other input hardware components include joysticks, styluses
and scanners.
Examples of output hardware components include the following

• Monitor. A monitor is an output device similar to a TV screen that

displays information, documents or images generated by the
computing device
• Printer. Printers render electronic data from a computer into printed
material.
• Speaker. A speaker is an external audio output device that connects
to a computer to generate a sound output.
• Headphones, earphones, earbuds.Similar to speakers, these devices
provide audio output that's audible only to a single listener.

What is software engineering?

Software engineering is the process of developing, testing and deploying

computer applications to solve real-world problems by adhering to a set of
engineering principles and best practices. The field of software engineering
applies a disciplined and organized approach to software development with
the stated goal of improving quality, time and budget efficiency, along with the
assurance of structured testing and engineer certification

Though the original use of the term is uncertain, the first software engineering
conference was held and sponsored by NATO in 1968. The conference
addressed the inconsistency and unreliability in software development as well
as the need for better quality assurance (QA) and reliability. The conference
gathered international experts who agreed the systematic approach of physical
world engineering should be applied to software development, as it already
was developed with those goals in mind.
Types of software engineering

Even though a software engineer usually manages many coding projects,

software engineering entails more than just writing code for the software. In
reality, software engineering encompasses every phase of the software
development lifecycle (SDLC), from planning the budget to analysis, design,
development, software testing, integration, quality and retirement.

Most soZware engineering tasks can be broken into the following three
categories:
• Operational software engineering. It includes all decisions and tasks
pertaining to how the software will perform within a computer system. This
may include anything related to the software budget, the way teams and
users will interact with the software and any potential risks such as those
associated with defective and outdated software.
• Transitional software engineering.This type of software engineering entails
duties related to the software's adaptability and scalability when it's moved
outside of its initial setting.
• Software engineering maintenance. It entails activities connected to
enhancing and debugging current software to account for environmental
changes, new technologies, bugs and risk factors that might have been
disregarded during a previous development cycle. Over time, retirement
takes over as maintenance of certain software is gradually reduced
What is an information system?
An informa@on system (IS) is an interconnected set of components used to
collect, store, process and transmit data and digital informa@on. At its core, it is
a collec@on of hardware, soZware, data, people and processes that work
together to transform raw data into useful informa@on. An IS supports a variety
of business objec@ves such as improved customer service or increased
efficiency.
People often use the term "information system" interchangeably with
"computer system," but these systems are not the same. While computer
systems are part of an IS, they do not encompass all the components and
processes that make up an IS, such as people and processes. "Information
technology" (IT) is another similar term, but IT focuses on the technical aspects
of the hardware and software that support enterprise computing. An IS, on the
other hand, focuses on how people use IT and data to manage and make
decisions within an organization.
In addition to decision-making, IS supports knowledge management and
communication. IT allows data sharing to take place between different
departments, providing consistent data for analysis by a variety of teams. An IS
supports various business functions such as accounting, finance, marketing,
human resources, operations and supply chain management. It can also enable
new business models and opportunities, such as e-commerce, social media and
artificial intelligence (AI).

How does an information system work?

An IS is a powerful tool that can bring many different functions together. By

connecting system components, it enables IT departments to collect, store and
process information in an efficient way and distribute it for a variety of
purposes. The system can also produce reporting in different formats and to a
variety of devices. Reports can include text files, spreadsheets, graphics and
complex data visualizations. This comprehensive platform streamlines internal
operations and allows businesses to access data quickly and accurately.
The basic process an IS follows includes the following steps:
1. Input. The system collects data and information from various sources, such
as sensors, keyboards, scanners or databases.
2. Processing. The system transforms the raw data into meaningful
information by applying various operations, such as sorting, classifying,
calculating, analyzing or synthesizing.
3. Storage. The system stores the processed information in a structured and
secure way, such as in a database, a file system or in cloud storage.
4. Output. The system presents the information to the users in a usable
format, such as reports, graphs, charts or dashboards.
5. Feedback. The system collects feedback from users and other stakeholders
to evaluate its performance and improve its design and functionality.

The effec@veness of an IS depends on its alignment with the organiza@on's

goals, reliability, security and usability.

Office automa@on
Office automation uses information technology to simplify and assist office
operations, improve communication, increase office efficiency, and improve
clerical output quality without inaccuracies. OAS is primarily based on two
factors.

• Computers Components
• Communication Technology

Computer components are embedded in-office devices, and communication

technologies merge with office devices and people, for example, replacing the
employee attendance sheets with an automated biometrics device.

Types of Office Automation Systems

A proper OAS solu@on that meets your requirements can execute various office
tasks simultaneously. Listed below are some of the automa@on tools that can
boost work efficiency.

• Finance and Budgeting

This type of automation tool assists you in planning financial and budgeting
matters with more transparency. Using the right tool will help your financial
team become more flexible and set financial goals for the short term or
long term more adequately
• Recruitment
An automation tool can help the HR team find the best talent without
biases by setting criteria and requirements. With the help of an automation
tool, the HR team can automate job postings, take assessments, evaluate
interested candidates and schedule interview sessions.
• Security
Nowadays, digital threats such as hacking, malware attacks, spamming, and
phishing are frequently occurring. As a result, internal and external data
accumulated by a company can become a significant security risk if left
unchecked. For example, an OAS can take care of all possible cybersecurity
risks and recommend needed security action.
• Cloud Infrastructure Automation
Online storage is limited and costly. An integrated OAS solution can help
you with managing your cloud infrastructure. You can free up resources
and save time by automating cloud configuration and setting provisions for
your cloud.
• Project Management
For a manager, delegating, setting deadlines, and managing and tracking
tasks can be hectic. An OAS can easily take of these issues without hassle.
OAS tool help manager and team member before and during the project
time and can analyze individual or group performance.
• Procurement
Procurement automation relieves your staff of unnecessary activities and
places them in positions that match their skill set. For example, a dedicated
procurement automation tool can manage every stage of the procurement
process while minimizing time and maintaining a healthy supplier
relationship.
• Document Processing
This computer application is useful for creating and designing printable
documents such as reports, business proposals, etc. Also, if you wish to go
paperless, this computer application can help you accomplish that objective
• Voice Automation
Answering machines and recorded greetings messages are examples of
voice automation systems. For example, an automated voice system can
communicate with multiple persons and process communication efficiently.
• Administrative Facilities
Office automation tools can also be an effective office administrator,such as
maintaining proper room temperature and lighting, attending to office
inventory needs, ensuring security etc.

An organiza@on can get benefiled in various ways using an automa@on tool.

OAS is crucial in execu@ng daily office opera@ons and process op@miza@on in
this fast-paced digital era.
Computer engineering

It involves the design and development of systems based on computers and

complex digital logic devices. These systems find use in such diverse tasks as
computa@on, communica@on, entertainment, informa@on processing, ar@ficial
intelligence, and control. Computer engineers will be very much involved with
the “Informa@on Highway.”

A computer engineer, equipped with a broad background in electrical

engineering and computer science, will be entering an exci@ng and rapidly
growing profession with unlimited opportuni@es in industry, government, and
educa@on. Many of our students have already par@cipated in that world
through internships. Some examples of internship placements are: Engineering
Intern, AT&T Computer; Engineering Intern, IBM Corpora@on; Computer
Engineering Intern, Computer Science Corpora@on; Computer Science Engineer
Intern, Intel Corpora@on; and Engineering Technician, Mitre Corpora@on.

Computer engineering usually deals with areas including writing

software and firmware for embedded microcontrollers, designing VLSI chips,
designing analog sensors, designing mixed signalcircuit boards, and
designing operating systems. Computer engineers are also suited
for roboticsresearch, which relies heavily on using digital systems to control
and monitor electrical systemslike motors, communications, and sensors

Computer Engineering graduates are equipped for careers as engineers,

electrical designers, electrical engineers, design and applica@ons engineers,
test engineers, power systems engineers, and product engineers.

Career fields for computer engineers include computer-aided design,

computer-aided manufacturing, hardware design, soZware design, integrated
circuit design
Industrial automation

Industrial automation is the control of machinery and processes used in

various industries by autonomous systems through the use of technologies
like robotics and computer software.

Industries implement automa@on to increase produc@vity and reduce costs

related to
employees, their benefits and other associated expenses, while increasing
precision and flexibility.

With the Industrial Revolu@on came mechaniza@on, which brought cheaper

and more plen@ful goods. Generally, the mechanical processes in industries
were faster and produced greater quan@@es of goods but s@ll required skilled
workers. Not only did machines require operators but when errors occurred,
they would waste materials, cause produc@on issues and even damage
equipment.

With the arrival of automation, control loopswere added to machine

operation. These can be open control loops that allow for human input or
closed loops which are fully automated. Industrial control systems (ICS) allow
for monitoring and control locally and remotely. With these increasingly
advanced control mechanisms, industries can operate 24 hours a day.
Productivity has increased, errors are reduced and quality is improved.
However, automation does have some negative impact, including high initial
costs, reduced worker employment and the elimination of some ethical human
oversight. As automation continues to advance and gain popularity in new
industries, it is possible to see these events increase.

Recent advancements in automa@on in industrial produc@on are focused on

flexibility and quality. Manufacturing flexibility not only allows for more
product types, but also lets consumers order customized products that are
automa@cally produced.
Conclusion
The implementa,on of IT requires the complete reorganiza,on of the func,on informa,on, which
will be heavily dependent on human resources, par,cularly considering the ability to interrelate
personal, ability to change and crea,vity
IT is the use of any computers, storage, networking and other physical devices,
infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of
electronic data
Sources
1 : Fundamentals of Information Technology ,DEEPAK BHARIHOKE
2 : Information Technology , Richard Fox
3 : www.techtarget.com